Establishment and operation of a Veteran and Family – Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK)

The Department seeks to partner with one or more suppliers, or consortium/a, and implement a 5-year collaborative approach to develop and conduct research and evaluation that increases research impact and ultimately improves the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

The scope of services that supports the establishment and ongoing operation of a Veteran and Family – Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK) is wide ranging and covers the following areas:

Collaboration. This includes establishing, developing and maintaining a collaborative knowledge network of diverse stakeholders to share knowledge and identify potential research opportunities, including collaborative projects that leverage existing research assets and/or additional funding sources. It also includes the establishment and facilitation of a virtual Community of Practice that brings together researchers and research users to share research developments, findings and emerging innovations.

Research and Evaluation Strategic Advice. This includes identifying knowledge gaps and developing a 5-year research strategy, a framework and approach for measuring and reporting on research impacts, and for reviewing the Health & Wellbeing Program Evaluation Plans of the Department.

Supporting increased use of evidence. This includes producing literature and evidence review products (e.g. Rapid Reviews and Systematic Reviews) and data analysis to support policy development, design of translation communications, and hosting research dissemination events such as symposia.

Evaluation capability and capacity building. This includes developing and delivering evaluation resources and/or activities to support the growth of internal capability within the Department.

Governance and Relationship Management. This includes participating actively in regular and ongoing relationship management activities with the Department and producing reports and other governance-related activities.

Identifying and undertaking research and evaluation projects. This includes working collaboratively with the knowledge network, the Department and other stakeholders to identify new research opportunities, including leveraging existing assets, and to propose projects that align with the Department’s priorities and the 5-year research strategy, and then delivering proposed projects that are agreed to by DVA.

Tenderers should ensure all tender documentation is uploaded to the correct AusTender ATM ID